What to cook? It's hump day.

Mark Bittman-save me.  It's Wednesday and I don't know what to cook.  Now that my favorite New York Times Columnist is leaving his post as The Minimalist to head over to the ed -op pages to butt heads with politicos on food policy, he left a terrific column on his all time favorite 25 best dishes.  It's a must read and must print out for the midweek scramble. 

Or pick up a copy of his "How to Cook Everything"- a real  cookbook staple.  

Wednesdays just aren't the same without you, Mr. Bittman.   

Channeling Leave it Beaver

Last night, a few friends came over for dinner.  Feeling "farmers market fatigue", I turned to my old cookbooks for inspiration (and laughs).  Maybe it was the thunderstorm or the midweek hump but I wanted martinis before dinner and food made with cream of mushroom soup.  With Frank Sinatra on the iTunes and donning a polka dot apron from Cath Kidston,  June Cleaver would've been pleased as I planned the menu based on Betty Crocker's Easy Guide to Entertaining that came out in 1959.  I especially loved the Midnight Suppers section. Am impressed Betty was out so late!

Vintage books, especially in decorating and entertaining are favs.   In case you happen to be in the mood for such a party yourself, here are some places to pick up a book for inspiration.

A real classic from oldcookbooks.com which started Julia Childs way.  

A cookbook from one of the best food writers M. K. Fisher at vintagecookbook.com.

If this wets your whistle, treat yourself to a visit to Bonnie Slotnick's small shop in Village in NYC or call her and she'll hunt down whatever you need.

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